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CNet News reports that the European Parliament has passed new internet regulations that limit the rights of European spammers. Under the new regulations, commercial e-mails may not be sent without prior permission of the recipient. Additionally, companies must provide "clear and precise information" about the content of cookies placed on users' hard drives.

The new regulations also direct service providers to collect data about users' e-mail and surfing habits, in order to aid law enforcement. "The guidelines have 'a chilling affect on freedom of speech,' said Cedric Laurant, policy fellow at the Electronic Privacy Information Center. In regards to data retention, 'people will always fear that something they said may be used against them' for law enforcement purposes."

It is up to each member nation of the European Union to pass their own laws to enforce the regulations. It is expected to take up to 5 years for the legislation to make its way through every member of the EU.